There’s just something about a warm, homemade fritter that brings instant comfort. Maybe it’s the crispy golden edges, the soft, pillowy center, or the way the cinnamon-spiced apples create the perfect balance of sweetness and warmth. Whatever it is, these Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds—no judgment here!).

I’ve always had a soft spot for apple desserts. They remind me of cozy fall mornings, apple-picking trips, and that magical aroma of cinnamon and sugar filling the kitchen. And let’s be real—who can resist a deep-fried treat drizzled in vanilla glaze? These fritters are a must-try, whether you’re looking for a quick weekend indulgence or a way to impress your family with a homemade treat.

And the best part? They come together in no time! No fancy equipment, no complicated steps—just simple, delicious ingredients coming together to make pure magic. So grab those apples, heat up some oil, and let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Batter

The secret to light, fluffy fritters starts with the batter. It should be thick enough to hold those juicy apple pieces but still light enough to fry up beautifully.

Ingredients for the Fritters:

• 2 cups all-purpose flour – This gives the fritters their structure.
• ¼ cup sugar – Just enough to sweeten things up.
• 1 tbsp baking powder – The key to that perfect airy texture.
• ½ tsp salt – A little bit enhances all the flavors.
• 2 tsp cinnamon – Because apples and cinnamon are a match made in heaven.
• ½ cup milk – Adds moisture and richness.
• 2 large eggs – Helps bind everything together.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract (optional) – A little extra flavor boost.
• 2 medium apples, peeled, cored, and diced – The heart of this recipe.
• Vegetable oil, for frying – Canola or vegetable oil works best.

Mixing It All Together

Start by whisking together your dry ingredients: flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and cinnamon. This ensures that everything is evenly distributed, so you don’t get clumps of baking powder in one bite and none in another.

In a separate bowl, whisk together the milk, eggs, and vanilla extract (if using). Slowly pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients, stirring gently. The key here is to not overmix! A few lumps are totally fine—overmixing can make your fritters dense instead of light and fluffy.

Now comes the fun part: folding in those delicious apple chunks! Make sure they’re evenly distributed so every bite is packed with juicy, cinnamon-spiced goodness.

Step 2: Heat the Oil

Once your batter is ready, it’s time to get frying! This step might seem intimidating, but I promise, it’s easier than you think.

Fill a deep skillet or large pot with about 2–3 inches of vegetable oil. Heat it over medium heat until it reaches 350°F (175°C). If you don’t have a thermometer, you can test the oil by dropping in a small bit of batter—if it sizzles and rises to the top quickly, you’re good to go!

A few tips:

• Keep the heat at a steady temperature. If it’s too hot, the fritters will brown too fast on the outside while staying raw inside. If it’s too low, they’ll absorb too much oil and become greasy.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan—frying too many fritters at once lowers the oil temperature, making them soggy instead of crisp.

Step 3: Fry the Fritters

Frying might seem a little intimidating, but I promise, it’s super easy as long as you follow a few simple tricks. The key is keeping the oil at the right temperature and not overcrowding the pan—otherwise, you’ll end up with greasy or undercooked fritters.

How to Fry the Fritters:

1. Scoop the Batter – Use a large spoon or an ice cream scoop to grab heaping tablespoons of batter. (This helps keep the fritters evenly sized so they cook at the same rate!)
2. Gently Drop into the Hot Oil – Carefully lower each scoop of batter into the oil. The batter will spread slightly as it cooks, creating those signature crispy edges.
3. Fry Until Golden Brown – Let each fritter cook for 2-3 minutes per side or until it turns a deep golden brown. Flip them gently with a slotted spoon or tongs to ensure they cook evenly.
4. Drain the Excess Oil – Once done, transfer the fritters to a plate lined with paper towels. This helps absorb any extra oil and keeps them nice and crisp.

Pro Tip: If you’re making a big batch, keep the cooked fritters warm by placing them on a baking sheet in a 200°F oven while you fry the rest. This way, they stay fresh and warm until it’s time to glaze and serve!

Step 4: Make the Vanilla Glaze

What’s an apple fritter without a little something sweet on top? The vanilla glaze takes these already-delicious fritters to the next level. It’s light, creamy, and just the right amount of sweetness to balance the warm, spiced apples.

Ingredients for the Glaze:

• 1 cup powdered sugar – The base for a silky-smooth glaze.
• 2–3 tbsp milk – Adjust based on how thick or thin you like your glaze.
• 1 tsp vanilla extract – For that perfect touch of warmth and sweetness.

How to Make the Glaze:

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, and vanilla extract until smooth.
2. Adjust the consistency to your liking—add more milk if you want a thinner drizzle or more powdered sugar for a thicker glaze.

That’s it! So simple, yet so good.

Step 5: Glazing the Fritters

Now comes the best part—coating these crispy, warm fritters in that luscious vanilla glaze!

Two Ways to Glaze:

• Drizzle Method: Use a spoon to drizzle the glaze over the warm fritters for a light, glossy coating.
• Dunk & Dip: If you love extra glaze (who doesn’t?), dip each fritter fully into the glaze for an all-over sweet coating.

Let the glaze set for a few minutes before serving—if you can wait that long!

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use different types of apples?

Absolutely! I recommend firmer apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji because they hold their shape well and add a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. Softer apples like Red Delicious tend to turn mushy when fried.

2. How do I keep my fritters from being greasy?

The key to avoiding greasy fritters is keeping the oil at the right temperature (350°F/175°C). If the oil is too cold, the fritters will soak up excess oil. Also, be sure to drain them on paper towels right after frying.

3. Can I bake these instead of frying them?

While traditional apple fritters are deep-fried, you can bake them for a slightly healthier version. Scoop the batter onto a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until golden brown. They won’t be quite as crispy, but they’ll still be delicious!

4. Can I make the batter ahead of time?

Since the baking powder starts working as soon as it’s mixed with the wet ingredients, it’s best to fry the fritters right away. However, you can prep the dry and wet ingredients separately and mix them together just before frying.

5. How do I store leftover fritters?

Apple fritters are best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 day. For longer storage, refrigerate them for up to 3 days and reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for a few minutes.

6. Can I freeze apple fritters?

Yes! Let them cool completely, then freeze them in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag. To reheat, bake at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.

7. What other toppings can I try?

While the vanilla glaze is classic, you can switch it up with a dusting of powdered sugar, a drizzle of caramel sauce, or even a cinnamon-sugar coating for an extra crunch.

Conclusion

And there you have it—Soft Cinnamon Apple Fritters with Vanilla Glaze that are crispy on the outside, soft and fluffy on the inside, and packed with warm, spiced apple goodness. Whether you’re making them for a weekend breakfast, a cozy fall treat, or just because you need something sweet, these fritters are guaranteed to be a hit.

Happy frying!